GAHP to Present Critical Research on Vietnam's Air Quality at SETAC Asia-Pacific 2024

We were pleased to announce that Dr. Petr Sharov, representing GAHP, presented the latest research at the SETAC Asia-Pacific 14th Biennial Meeting, which took place in Tianjin, China, from September 21-25, 2024. This conference was a leading platform for environmental scientists and policymakers to discuss emerging issues in environmental toxicology and chemistry, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region.

Abstract Overview:

• Petr Sharov's presentation, titled "Contribution of the Open Field Burning of Rice Straw to PM2.5 Concentrations in the Air of the Red River Delta, Vietnam, in 2021," is a significant output of GAHP’s ongoing Environmental Pollution Programme (EPP) in Vietnam. This project, in collaboration with the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Vietnam Association for the Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE), and the Rainforest Alliance, aims to mitigate the health and environmental impacts of unsafe agricultural practices, such as open burning and pesticide use.

• The research highlights the critical issue of air pollution in Vietnam, specifically the contribution of rice straw burning to PM2.5 levels in the Red River Delta. The study utilized advanced satellite-derived data and dispersion modeling to map and assess these impacts, providing essential insights for developing effective policies to combat air pollution.

Impact and Implications:

• The findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to open burning practices and highlight the role of scientific research in informing policy decisions. The detailed maps and statistical models developed through this research are expected to be valuable tools for policymakers in Vietnam and other countries facing similar challenges.

• GAHP’s participation in the SETAC conference reflects our commitment to advancing environmental health through rigorous research and collaboration with global and local partners. We look forward to the discussions and networking opportunities at SETAC Asia-Pacific 2024, which will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect both human health and the environment from pollution.

For more information about GAHP and our initiatives, please visit our website. Learn more about the SETAC Asia-Pacific 14th Biennial Meeting here. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to share our work and its impact on environmental health in Vietnam and beyond.